Alice Englert: 'Being in love is not cool!'

Being in love is not cool!

In her thought-provoking statement, Alice Englert declares that "Being in love is not cool!" The quote, at first glance, may seem counterintuitive in a culture that often idolizes the idea of being in love. However, when we dig deeper, we realize that Englert is shedding light on the inherent vulnerability and lack of control that comes with being in love.To fully appreciate the meaning and importance of the quote, we must consider the societal obsession with appearing cool or put-together, especially in matters of the heart. In popular culture, being in love is often romanticized and portrayed as a desirable state, one that warrants envy and admiration. However, Englert's quote challenges this notion, suggesting that being in love actually goes against the idea of coolness.Love is messy, raw, and unpredictable. It exposes us to a myriad of emotions, leaving us vulnerable and sometimes even powerless. When we are in love, we willingly allow someone to enter the intimate spaces of our heart, taking the risk of being hurt or rejected. This openness and vulnerability are not traits commonly associated with being cool. Coolness often implies a sense of detachment and emotional control, which seems at odds with the intensity and emotional investment that love requires.Yet, it is precisely this vulnerability and lack of control that make being in love such a profound and transformative experience. Love challenges us to confront our deepest fears and insecurities, pushing us to grow and become better versions of ourselves. It teaches us empathy, forgiveness, and resilience. In this sense, being in love is not cool, but it is undeniably real, meaningful, and essential to the human experience.While Englert's quote provides a compelling perspective on the nature of love, it also opens the door to a philosophical concept that adds further depth to the discussion. Existentialism, a philosophical movement that emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries, explores the individual's struggle to find meaning and purpose in an absurd and uncertain world.Existentialists argue that true freedom and authenticity can only be attained by embracing the inherent anxiety, uncertainty, and vulnerability of existence. In this light, being in love can be seen as a quintessential existential experience. Love forces us to confront the uncertainty of the future, the fear of rejection, and the possibility of loss. It is precisely through this confrontation that we transcend our individual selves and connect with something greater than us: the profound interconnectedness of humanity.In contrast to the pursuit of coolness, which often involves detachment and an external focus on appearance and social validation, being in love invites us to embrace our authentic selves and engage with life's complexities wholeheartedly. It challenges us to confront our fears and insecurities head-on, ultimately leading to personal growth and a deeper understanding of both ourselves and others.In conclusion, Alice Englert's quote, "Being in love is not cool," serves as a thought-provoking reminder that love, contrary to popular notions, is not a fleeting coolness, but a profound and transformative experience. It challenges us to embrace vulnerability and relinquish control, enabling personal growth and a deeper connection with others. By exploring the contrasting ideals of coolness and existentialism, we gain a richer understanding of the importance of being in love, both in our individual lives and in the broader human experience.